It's quite possible there are more tough decisions to come, as DT Christian Ballard may return from the left squad list, and Jerome Felton will return to the 53 once his three game suspension is up. OT DeMarcus Love is also suspended to start the season, though it's not as likely that the Vikings will make room on the squad for him. After perusing the list, here are the names that stood out, either on the roster or not.
(Pleasant) Surprises
FB Zach Line
While Jerome Felton serves his suspension, it appears the Vikings are going to roll with the undrafted rookie out of SMU as a lead blocker for #28. Line has had a noticeable preseason and training camp, and it's nice to see him rewarded with a roster spot. Line most likely is just going to serve a three week tour of duty in the NFL before being bumped back to the practice squad upon Felton's return, but just grabbing a spot now is a sign of the coaching staff's faith in him.
WR Joe Webb
Joe Webb sticks around on the Vikings roster, only this time as a receiver instead of a quarterback. The ultra-athletic Webb still looks a little raw at his new position, but a great jump ball touchdown in the preseason showcased his potential value to this team. It's hard to imagine that the Vikings wouldn't be able to create some package of plays designed to showcase Webb's talent, and they can't pretend they don't need talent at the position. This should also be seen as an acknowledgement of the great locker room presence that Webb brings, as by all accounts he is a fantastic teammate and brings an infectious energy to the sideline.
LB Michael Mauti
Before the draft Mauti sent a letter out to all 32 NFL general managers, just asking for them to give him a shot to play professional football even with his multiple knee injuries. The Vikings were impressed enough to give him that chance, and he absolutely did not let that chance slip away. It's been impossible not to notice Mauti when watching the Vikings this preseason, and his fantastic instincts have helped him find the football and make plays. Mauti is another great locker room guy for the Vikings, as he brings fiery passion and great leadership skills to this squad. Don't be surprised if Mauti finds a way to start climbing up the depth chart over the next few seasons.
Snubs
CB Bobby Felder
Felder was viewed by most to be competing for the fifth cornerback/punt returner role with the Vikings along with Marcus Sherels. After the fourth preseason game when Sherels brought a kickoff back for a touchdown and picked off a pass this battle appeared to be over, and Sherels ended up grabbing a roster spot over Felder. Sherels has definitely earned his roster spot, but while Felder showed some inconsistency in his coverage skills he still flashed more ability than fourth cornerback AJ Jefferson. Felder's value did drop once he lost the return job, but Jefferson was picked on constantly by even third team offenses. The Vikings may have been hesitant to cut ties with Jefferson since he was received in a trade only last year, but Felder simply made more plays this preseason and should have been rewarded for it.
WR Stephen Burton
Just like Felder was in competition with Sherels, Burton was largely seen as competing with Joe Webb for the final receiver spot. Burton had a quality preseason and made some nice receptions in the preseason, but inconsistency dogged him as he was responsible for a Christian Ponder interception and a delay of game penalty. Burton looks more comfortable at the position than newcomer Webb, but Webb's added athleticism gives him an edge that Burton will simply never be able to overcome. Burton still should have had a spot on this roster though as the Vikings kept six receivers last year and still could have used the extra depth. Burton could have easily taken the spot of somebody like linebacker Larry Dean, who is an outstanding special teams player but provides almost no value at his listed position. In a year when Christian Ponder needs weapons around him to be properly evaluated, it seems perplexing that the Vikings would take away a potential target for him, no matter how inconsistent.
It will be interesting to see how the Vikings' practice squad tomorrow, as they will have a few regulars return but also have some standout rookies to make room for. Even that squad won't be finalized for quite some time, as Felton's return at the very least ensures that the shuffling isn't done yet.
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